GED Admission Procedure

First time testers have to provide the following documents.

  • A valid picture ID such as drivers license or MN ID or Government ID. Student ID's are not acceptable as valid identification. This id to ensure that the age entered in the application form by the student is accurate and that the candidate is a resident of that state. Students are required to bring their ID every time they take the test.
  • Payment for all five GED tests or a letter from an organization that will pay for the applicant.
  • If under 19 years old, an approved age waiver is required. An age waiver can be obtained from the Department of Education. Call (651) 582-8445 to request an age waiver or visit their web site.

The first time test takers are expected to arrive at least 45 minutes before the testing time and fill out the Application and the Demographic Form. Students taking the test under the guidance of a teacher and wishing to send a copy of the score report should request for the release of the scores to the teacher during registration.

Waiver of Minimum Age Requirement:

It is possible for applicants as young a 16 years of age to take the test under special circumstances. Such applicants can apply for a waiver if they are able to provide proof of the following points in writing

  • Completed, signed, and notarized 16 year old Waiver Application Form with required school documentation attached demonstrating consensus of applicant, school officials, and applicant's parent/legal guardian that the GED program is considered in the best interest of applicant.
  • Original letter, on official letterhead, signed by Adult Basic Education (ABE) Director certifying applicant has been enrolled in GED classes and is academically prepared for the GED test.
  • Letter of documentation, on official letterhead, establishing applicant's need to obtain a GED at age 16 from one of the following: higher education admissions officer, employer requiring GED, military recruiting official.

Student who are 19 years of age and older are required to submit a completed application along with age proof. To take the GED the student should not have already earned a high school degree or the State High School Equivalency Diploma. The student should have resided in the sate he is testing in for at lest a month. It is required that the students allow a waiting period of two months before attempting to retake the test. It is also required that they attempt a different form of the test is taken at every attempt.

Candidates’ 17 or18 years of age, apart from meeting all of the conditions specified for 19 years old students, have to meet at least one of the conditions listed below

  • Be enrolled in an approved Alternative High School Equivalency Preparation Program OR
  • Not have attended a regular, full-time high school for one full year or more and have written verification from the school last attended showing the last date of attendance, dismissal, or discharge. This documentation must be submitted with the GED Exam Application OR
  • Be a member of a class that has already graduated and have written verification of that fact OR
  • Be accepted into the U.S. military OR
  • Be accepted into college OR
  • Be a resident in a hospital or treatment facility or detention facility OR
  • Be a member of the Job Corps

The other conditions that are taken into consideration for students who are 17 years old and want to take the GED are:

  • The candidate is not enrolled in a school and has written parental or guardian permission to test.
  • Is married.
  • Has entered military service.
  • Has been declared an adult by the court.
  • Is homeless.
  • has otherwise legally severed the child-parent relationship and thus isn't required to present written parental or guardian permission.
  • Is a female who is 17 years of age or older but is unable to attend school because she is either pregnant or the mother of one or more children.
  • Is a male 17 years of age or older who is unable to attend school because he is the father of one or more children.
  • Is a person 17 years of age or older who has been a dropout for a period of at least one year.
  • Is a person 17 years of age or older who is an inmate confined in a Cook County Correctional Facility.